Macroanatomical Studies on the Neurocranium of Mallard Ducks (Anas Platyrhynchos)

In this study conducted to examine the mallard duck neurocranium, ten domestic duck skulls (five females and five males) obtained from manufacturers were used. The duck skulls were prepared for examination using maceration techniques. The neurocranium was observed to consist of the occipital bone, sphenoid bone, parietal bone, frontal bone, and temporal bone. The foramen magnum, located caudal to the occipital bone, was determined to be vertical and nuchal, and the occipital condyle, a single projection that articulates with the atlas, was located beneath this foramen. The parietal bones were observed to form the lateral aspect of the caudal portion of the skull roof. The dorsal surface of the parietal bone was convex. The frontal bone was long and thin. The surface area of the frontal bone was larger than the parietal bone. The fontanelle was found to have two foramina. The sphenoid bone had a triangular shape. The sphenoid bone, which participates in the formation of the ventral wall of the cranial cavity, was determined to consist of two parts: the parasphenoid bone and the basisphenoid bone. The nasal part of the frontal bone was well developed and had two prominences, the orbital process and the supraorbital process. The interparietal bone was absent, and the ethmoid bone was found to be part of the viscerocranium.

Consequently, the bones that make up the mallard duck neurocranium were examined in detail. It was concluded that the findings could be used to inform taxonomy and the field.